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SASTM Newsflash - MERS-CoV Eastern Mediterranean: Saudi Arabia - WHO

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WHO has been informed of an additional 3 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.

The 1st patient is a 73-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions from Riyadh who became ill on [12 Nov 2013], was hospitalized on [14 Nov 2013], and died on [18 Nov 2013].

The 2nd patient is a 65-year-old man with an underlying medical condition from Jawf region who became ill on [4 Nov 2013] and was hospitalized on [14 Nov 2013]. The 3rd patient is a 37-year-old man from Riyadh who became ill on [9 Nov 2013], was hospitalized on [13 Nov 2013], and died on [18 Nov 2013]. None of the 3 patients had exposure to animals or contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 160 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 68 deaths.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.

Health care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.

Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients, and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.

Health care facilities are reminded of the importance of systematic implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC). Health care facilities that provide care for patients suspected or confirmed with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus to other patients, health care workers, and visitors.

All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initiated to identify the mode of exposure so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.

WHO has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO Regions, unanimously advised that with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.

Communicated by: ProMED-mail

The official WHO global tally for numbers of laboratory confirmed MERS-CoV infections is now 160 including 68 deaths. This tally does not include the cases reported by Spain.

It is noteworthy that the above report specifically mentions that none of the 3 newly confirmed cases had a history of contact with animals or with other known MERS-CoV infected individuals. The questions that come to mind involve the modes of transmission of the MERS-CoV in these cases. Is there a larger degree of asymptomatic or mild clinical illness occurring in Saudi Arabia at this time such that there might be more person-to-person transmission that is not "obvious," or is there yet another source of contact/transmission that has yet to be identified?

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The content and opinions are neither pre-screened nor endorsed by the SASTM. The content should neither be interpreted nor quoted as inherently accurate or authoritative.

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The information provided in SASTM Newsflashes is collected from various news sources, health agencies and government agencies. Although the information is believed to be accurate, any express or implied warranty as to its suitability for any purpose is categorically disclaimed. In particular, this information should not be construed to serve as medical advice for any individual. The health information provided is general in nature, and may not be appropriate for all persons. Medical advice may vary because of individual differences in such factors as health risks, current medical conditions and treatment, allergies, pregnancy and breast feeding, etc. In addition, global health risks are constantly evolving and changing. International travelers should consult a qualified physician for medical advice prior to departure.

About SASTM

The SASTM’s Mission is to guide the profession in all aspects relating to the practice of travel medicine,
liaise with the travel industry, consult with relevant authorities,
advise the public and collaborate nationally and internationally on all aspects relating to Travel Medicine.

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